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A prototype unmanned combat aircraft of the future, Taranis, was unveiled for the first time today. Named after the Celtic god of thunder, the concept demonstrator will test the possibility of developing the first ever autonomous stealth unmanned plane -- ultimately capable of precisely striking targets at long range, even in another continent.![Taranis, From the Side]()
Should such a system enter service, it would at all times be under the control of highly trained military crews on the ground, said manufacturer BAE Systems.![Stealth Jet or UFO?]()
Taranis has been three and a half years in the making and is the product of more than a million man-hours. It represents a significant step forward in this country's fast-jet capability," said Nigel Whitehead, Group managing director of BAE Systems' Programmes & Support business.![Taranis in Flight]()
The prototype roboplane, named Taranis after the Celtic god of thunder, took four years to build and cost £143 million ($215 million).![Test Flight]()
Initial ground-based testing commenced in 2010 with first flight expected to take place in 2011 on successful conclusion of ground based testing.![Early Mockup]()
Taranis was designed to delivering weapons to a battlefield in another continent. It will be able to hold an adversary at continuous risk of attack; to penetrate deep inside hostile territory, find a target, facilitate either kinetic or non kinetic influence upon it, assess the effect achieved, and provide intelligence back to commanders.First Unmanned Stealth Fighter Unveiled
The prototype of a high-tech British roboplane capable of attacking targets as far away as Afghanistan was unveiled by defense contractor BAE Systems in the U.K. Monday.
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